If it were a stock listed on the exchange, Flowers Canada (Ontario) would be one of the hottest properties available. People would be lining up to invest. It’s a leader in R&D, has excellent relations with governments at all levels, and has earned the respect of regulatory departments on both sides of the border. It has helped develop forward-thinking human resources strategies, and has a number of market development initiatives to its credit. What it needs are more ‘investors.’

The earlier the problems are addressed, the better the chance of a successful turnaround. A contingency plan should be put in place in order to prepare for “what if” strategies and exit plans, if necessary.

As the
end of the year quickly approaches, it is time to once again reflect on
your financial position, and what you can do to improve your situation
by reducing taxes payable, whether you are an individual taxpayer or an
owner of an incorporated greenhouse operation.

Alberta’s growing influence within the Canadian greenhouse industry is about to get much larger. The province is funding a major upgrading of its research greenhouses at the Crops Diversification Centre South in Brooks.

While gutter heights of new greenhouses are continuing to rise, this remains a low-profile industry within Canadian business circles. There are the occasional greenhouse business stories in local papers and TV and radio stations, but not a lot of human interest or technology/science reporting.

There are alternative materials and recycling programs already available, B.C. growers were told at a conference earlier this year. “The biggest problem of recycling plastics right now is the sorting cost,” said one speaker.

Previewing the Alberta, Saskatchewan and Maritimes trade shows and conferences. Leading speakers, displays of the latest technologies and newest varieties, and a chance to meet old friends, among the highlights.

The key is to prepare projections with the ability to allow flexibility and constant updates for changing factors. What if the price of fuel increases by 10 per cent or production yields decrease by 10 per cent from what was expected?

Pricing pressures and energy costs among growers’ concerns, notes Alexander Tsydendambaev, a longtime industry analyst. Times are tough, so much so that, “the children of the owners of greenhouses do not follow their parents in this business.”

“It’s that time of year again when paying taxes weighs heavily on all our minds. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer with a filing deadline of April 30th or a self-employed taxpayer with a deadline of June 15th, undoubtedly you’ll be trying to find ways to minimize your tax burden.”